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Hank Phillippi Ryan: 5 Books, Albums That Changed my Life

THE SHINING by Stephen King I have a confession to make about this. It was a long time ago, so I can’t get in trouble with my former employers, so I suppose it can’t hurt to tell. It was back in 1980, when it first came out, and I was a reporter and weekend anchor for a TV station in Atlanta. I started reading the book–and realized I could not stop. I couldn’t do anything but read it. So I actually called in sick to the station–pretended I was sick!–so I could stay home and read. I’d been a TV reporter since 1975, and had written stories every day, you know? So i was always interested in storytelling. But it wasn’t until I began writing mysteries that the incredible value of this book as a textbook became clear. Suspense. Cliffhangers. People you care about. Characters with individual recognizable voices. Conflict on every page. Writing such a good story that the reader literally cannot stop reading. I think about this book all the time now.

WINTERS TALE: by Mark Helprin Seems like it’s the exact opposite of the oh-so-commercial Stephen King. It’s a gorgeous, voluptuous “literary novel” with dozens of characters, taking place in two different centuries, fantasy and love and brilliant philosophy and themes and drama and passion and intrigue. And describing it that way, it actually has a lot in common with Stephen King. But in this case, I was so taken by the writing that I almost couldn’t read it slowly enough–know what I mean? And now I still pick it up from time to time, just to get immersed in that fantastic writing–writing that’s original and complicated and rich–but never self-conscious. It’s one of those books where the walls fall away when you’re reading. And again, from it I learned that the best, most compelling books are simply a good story.

THE CLUE IN THE DIARY or any of the Nancy Drew books. The Clue in the Diary, in particular, I read when I was about eight, and thought for most of the book that it was about a dairy. I kept thinking—shouldn’t there be–cows? But I adored Nancy Drew books–not Nancy, so much, always, she was kind of prissy and self-centered–but I did love the idea that the could be mysteries, and you could solve them and save the day and have a cool car. I was a pretty geeky kid, so the people who lived in-what as it called? Riverdale was Archie, and River City is Music Man—were my pals. And I wished I could live there, too, and help Nancy and Bess and George look for clues. Looking back on these books now, they’re kind of–awful. But that didn’t matter at the time. They taught me to think analytically, I’m sure–a still haven’t grown out of the need to solve the mystery before the sleuth does–and I still love it when the author fools me.

MEET THE BEATLES Or, maybe Sergeant Pepper. Certainly Abbey Road. I remember very clearly when I first heard I Want To Hold your Hand. I thought—hey–that sounds different. And it did, remember? That album, and all the Beatles songs, were the gateway drugs for me–the way into music and the love of rock and roll. I wanted to be a disc jockey for the longest time. I used to tape songs from the radio on my reel-to-reel tape recorder, then edit them back together in the order I wanted to hear them. (Told you I was geeky.) But music took over my life for a long time. I worked as an editorial assistant at Rolling Stone Magazine for about two years– in the political section, yes–but still, music was never far away.

Paul Simon. Whatever he writes, whatever he sings, whatever he does. Here’s the essence of writer and storyteller, right? Those quirky, thoughtful, perceptive, poignant words–with his innovative and imaginative and exploratory music. How could someone write “America?” “So I smoked a pack of cigarettes, she read her magazine, and the moon rose over an open field…” or Graceland? “Losing love is like a window in your heart…” Or American Tune-“Many’s the time I’ve been mistaken, and many times confused…” I have to admit, starting with SOUNDS OF SILENCE and on through GRACELAND and RHYTHM of the SAINTS, I am blown away by his words, and his music, and his brain. (Paul, call me.) Ah, still crazy after all these years.

Hank
A former US Senate staffer and political campaign aide, HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the investigative reporter for Boston’s NBC affiliate, and has won twenty-seven Emmys and ten Edward R. Murrow awards. A bestselling author of four mystery novels, Ryan has won the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She’s on the national board of directors of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. Her latest, THE OTHER WOMAN, is in stores now. Stop by her site , or her Facebook page, and get to know her.

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18 Comments

For character and voice and brilliantly simple dialogue? Daphne du Maurier. For creating “place”, I re-read Mary Stewart. I’ve been stuck in Tir Na Nog with Van Morrison lately (thanks to a certain YA writer;). But I adore the poetic Mr. Simon, too. I picked up The Other Woman yesterday and will dig in this weekend – can’t wait!

Thanks, Dani G! Crossing fingers you love THE OTHER WOMAN! And you know, I’ve never read Mary Stewart. Time to do that, don’t you think?

Sep26

Teresa Burgher

Five books or music that changed my life: One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a true wonder of literature; The Notebooks of Malte Laured Brigg, Ranier Marie Rilke, a journal full of things that needed to be told; Everything Joni Mitchell for complete exposure of a woman’s soul; OK, this is really hard, now. John D MacDonald’s body of work that made me think perhaps I could write an entire novel. Finally, Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun, that made me believe I could remake myself somewhere new.

Teresa, it’s amazing to think one author could inspire you to write! Or to remake yourself. That’s the power of it, right? Thanks for being here…great picks!

Sep24

Macpug

Wow, only five??? I don’t know that any of these changed my life, but might have kept me out of trouble, since I stayed inside reading inside of hanging with the neighborhood kids, who were always into something bad. As a kid, I loved any of the kid mysteries: Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys / Bobbsey Twins plus the The Little House Series. As a teen, Miss Marple / Sherlock Holmes. As an adult, I gravitated toward music more than anything, although I’m still a voracious reader. I fell in love with Sgt. Pepper, Elvis “Aloha from Hawaii” (got to see him before he died…amazing), Bruce Springsteen (fabulous storyteller), Elton John, and more recently, Brandi Carlile (great songwriting, and her voice is just so amazing).

Macpug–I know! Five is impossible. I just went to a Springsteen concert a few weeks ago–it was incredible. I don’t know how he does it. Brandi Carlile is new to me! Hurray. Off to check her out..thanks!

Sep24

Sal

Five? That =changed= my life?
(1) The Betty Crocker Cookbook – a mainstay as I was learning to fend for myself after leaving home.
(2) Darkness Visible by Wm Styron, which helped me come to terms with my oldest brother’s suicide.
(3) A Way of Life by Wm Osler, an address he made to Yale students, April 20th, 1913. The essay always makes me want to be better than I am. It’s a slim little bit, but is always what I need when I need it.
(4) Cisco Houston Sings the Songs of Woody Guthrie. I bought this album from the brother mentioned above when he needed some cash. He bought it back when he had enough money to spare. I bought it again. He bought it back. The album shifted back and forth. I loved it. A friend of his got it when my brother died. I never had the nerve to ask him for it for old times’ sake. I married my husband for many reasons, but the fact he had a copy of the album in his collection helped seal the deal. A brilliant album.
(5) Little Red Caboose Chug Chug Chug, a 78rpm that was the first record I ever owned. I got it when I was age 3, not quite 4. My mom (in a crazy, very-unlike-her moment) bought it for me while we were out grocery shopping. I couldn’t believe it! I loved that little record to death and I still can’t believe she bought it. My parents were =that= frugal. (Hey, look! It’s for sale on eBay! http://www.ebay.com/itm/PETER-PAN-78-RPM-LITTLE-RED-CABOOSE-336-BUY-NOW-BEST-OFFER-1953-/220999673277)

Sal, of course, a cookbook! Brilliant. And now I am singing–I totally know LIttle Red Caboose.. “…little red caboose behind the TRAIN! Going down the tracks tracks tracks tracks..” Is that it?

Sep30

Sal

That’s the one! Going ’round the bend bend bend bend, Hanging on the end end end end. Little Red Caboose behind the train.

Sep24

Diane Russom Harrison

My greatest bookloves growing up were the entire “Little Women” series and the “Anne of Green Gables” series. I also devoured the Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Trixie Belden series. The first “adult” novel I remember reading was “Peyton Place” which was passed from friend to friend when I was in 7th grade.
“Meet The Beatles” started my obsession with music when I was just 16. Later, while at University, I moved on to The Rolling Stone, The Doors and just about every Motown/Stax/Sun Records artist. Rythmn & Blues became the music of my life.
As an adult, the only genres of fiction I don’t read are Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dystopia, Vampire, Werewolf, Zombie and that ilk. Otherwise, I read like a starving person who can only receive nutrition through books!

Only five? Okay, then — NO to Stephen King . . . too scary, except for “Quitters, Inc.”
1) I’m counting the Little House series as one — the first I remember conscientiously reading all of. I loved the practical side of it, descriptions of how things were made, including Laura’s teaching days . . . inspiration!
2) Gone with the Wind — totally unrealistic, but I wanted so to be a belle . . . in St. Louis, in a working class neighborhood . . . 😉
3) Isaac Asimov’s robot stories . . . a look at a future with myriad possibilities, and human nature still the same.
4) I don’t think I read much Nancy Drew, but I’m including her because of the inspiration for my favorite mystery writers . . . Hank, Elaine, Victoria, Nancy . . . you all know who you are!
5) Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sex, followed by Our Bodies Ourselves. If anti-woman politics continue, we may need an emergency re-pub. of both.

I am laughing–of course, Mary! Everything… and OUr BOdies. My copies (for college!) are dog-eared and coffee stained. The 40th edition of Our Bodies just came out–and the editor is still going strong! In fact, we’re working together on a news story right now!

Sep24

Sherry Harris

The Shining was too scary for me. I did love The Stand and he is a master. My favorite childhood books, yes, I loved the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew but no one topped Maud Hart Lovelace’s books about Betsy and Tacy. I have all of them.

Sep24

Stephanie

Wow – difficult. I can’t pick one book by him, but Vince Flynn was politically interesting for me from the time I started reading his work at the age of 12, so any of his works are on my short list. Billy Joel – Piano Man shaped my music listening habits for years. Through the Looking Glass – one of my favorite books both as a kid as an adult. Hallelujah by Bach, makes me cry every time, and The Chronicles of Narnia – amazing what you can learn from books you read in 5th grade.

Sep24

Jess Lourey

Fantastic list, Hank! I love how it is both quirky and grounded, exactly like you. Also, I’m a big fan of The Shining and anything Paul Simon does. I think you were there when I mentioned I’m not a big Beatles fan, and Margery said she might have to sit shiva for me? I should learn to keep that one to myself from now on.

Sep24

Buzz Bland

Meet the Beatles, (my first album purchase, they made me love music) Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey, (opened the door to new worlds in reading) Peter McWilliams Poetry,(made me want to write) Women of the Silk, Gail Tsukiyama, (began reading books about other cultures)
Watchers, Dean Koontz, (makes me cry even after many many readings, you can’t help but love animals even more by the time you are done!)

Sep24

Dana Brown

I would choose… Gone With the Wind, Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark, Billy Joel – Turnstiles, Gary Allan – Smoke Rings in the Dark, Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks.